Question

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the autonomic nervous system?

a) has preganglionic and postganglionic neurons
b) can trigger visceral reflexes
c) controls visceral effectors
d) controls skeletal muscle

Answer 1

The characteristic not associated with the autonomic nervous system is controlling skeletal muscle, which is the function of the somatic nervous system.Control of skeletal muscle is a function of the somatic nervous system, not the autonomic nervous system, which coordinates involuntary actions.option

Step-by-step explanation:

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) has several characteristics that differentiate it from the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements. The ANS regulates involuntary functions and targets cardiac and smooth muscle, as well as exocrine and endocrine glands. It operates largely without conscious control and is responsible for many automatic processes such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration. A key feature of the ANS is the two-step pathway it uses for signaling: it consists of preganglionic and postganglionic neurons. The preganglionic neuron originates from the central nervous system and synapses at a ganglion, whereas the second neuron, the postganglionic, extends to the target organ.

Based on the provided characteristics of the autonomic nervous system:

1. It has preganglionic and postganglionic neurons.
2. It can trigger visceral reflexes.
3. It controls visceral effectors.

The characteristic that is NOT part of the autonomic nervous system is:

• Controls skeletal muscle.

Control of skeletal muscle is a function of the somatic nervous system, not the autonomic nervous system, which coordinates involuntary actions.